Sermon for the Sullivan SDA Church
January 28, 2006
Choose ye this day
Your Brain on Junk
Your Brain on Jesus
Final
Thoughts on Habitual and Addictive Behavior
Our mission - our sense of what God has called us to do
Under God’s guidance, we meet people where they are, and lead them
to experience a growing relationship in Christ with us.
Our vision - what our church will look like when we are accomplishing our mission
To be a growing church that transforms our community, models
singular devotion to Christ, and is prepared for His coming.
Our core values -
principles that define how we do ministry together as we pursue our mission
1 Empowering Leadership - Many people are leaders and don’t even know it; we lead in a variety of ways. (e.g. parent/child, father/family, teacher/student, Christian/unbeliever) Leadership is influencing people toward something better in their lives. Not that we are better, but we participate with God in directing them to the happiest life possible with Him. We “empower” leaders by apprenticing new leaders. We guide and equip them so that together we multiply our influence for good and accomplish God’s mission.
Ephesians 4:11,12; 2 Timothy 2:2; RH
8/24/86; 11/6/88; 9T 82
2
Gift-Oriented Ministry
- We serve the Lord in our
areas of giftedness through appropriate ministries so the Body of Christ “grows
and builds itself up in love.”
Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:1,4-6; Ephesians 4:16;
1 Peter 4:10; Letter 19, 1901; 8T 186,7
3
Passionate Spirituality – We
believe continual spiritual growth should be normal for all Christians. Hence, we encourage Christians of all walks
and religious persuasions to become more devoted to Christ by taking delight in
the spiritual life. This includes daily
renewal through the personal disciplines of Bible study, prayer, and obedience.
Psalm 119:148; Mark 12:30; Romans 6:22; 13:11; 2
Corinthians 7:11; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15
4
Functional Structures - Our church’s ministries, systems, programs
and policies work optimally through well-defined objectives, which are
regularly evaluated to ensure functionality and excellence.
Exodus 18:14-22; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:16
5
Inspiring Worship - We gather for worship first and foremost for our
heavenly Father. We worship Him in
spirit and truth because of His beautiful holiness, creative power and loving
kindness. The blending of spirit and
truth reveals our commitment to authentic expressions of praise and adoration
that are biblical, decent and orderly.
Psalm 29:2; 96:6,9; 99:5,9;
138:2; John 4:23; 1 Corinthians 14:40; Revelation 4:11; 5:9,10; 14:7
6
Holistic Small Groups - We desire everyone to be involved in a small group that ministers to
their spiritual, mental, physical, and social needs. Since leadership is vital to this ministry, we equip them through
regular training, encourage them through monthly briefings, and evaluate them
through annual reviews. While these
discipleship groups vary, they are primarily focused on life transformation and
evangelism.
Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:46-47; Philemon 2; RH 5/30/71;
9/29/91; 7T 21-22, 195
7
Need-Oriented Evangelism –
People are at the heart of our existence as a church. We authentically and intentionally cultivate
friendships with pre-Christians to lead them to become fully devoted followers
of Jesus Christ. We use Jesus’ own
method of mingling with people desiring their good, showing sympathy,
ministering to them, winning their confidence, and inviting them to follow Him.
Matthew 25:34-40; 28:29,20; Luke 19:10; Revelation
14:6; MH 143
8
Loving Relationships –
People matter - they’re the only things going to heaven. We are known for our love for all people
without regard to gender, race, social or economic status. We accept people as they are and desire for
them the happiest, highest and holiest life possible with God. We hold special regard for those who are
destitute, without loved ones, and in need of our sympathy.
Psalm 1 (KJV)
1Blessed is the man
that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodlya, nor standeth in the
way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his
delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and
night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not witherb;
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are
not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the
congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the
righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. [1]
I.
Fit the first: Peanut Butter Brains Part I
A.
Our brains reinforce positive experiences, and de-emphasize
negative experiences.
1.
Making it easier for us to make decisions in the future that lead
to pleasurable experiences.
2.
Making it difficult to make decisions that lead to work, sweat,
toil, tears, and minor inconveniences.
3.
There are certain pleasant experiences that the brain reinforces,
that in reality are not for our good.
i
The brain’s tendency to reinforce the positive, and eliminate the
negative is a short term function and is not always the best guide for our long
term happiness, spiritual growth, and salvation.
1
Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, all feel good in the short term.
No one associated with these substances will tell you that it’s been a good
thing in the long term. Actually, they will tell you that these substances have
destroyed their lives.
2
Hard work, sweat and strain, serious application to boring
tasks are not pleasant, and the brain would like to avoid the discipline. Yet
we know that happiness, success, value, most often comes through the
application of just these things.
4.
These are the natural tendencies of our body chemistry. There are
areas where these tendencies are good; there are areas where these tendencies
are bad. The natural working of the mental functions must be controlled by
higher functions.
Romans 7:21-23 (NKJV)
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I qdelight in the law of God according to rthe inward man. 23 But s I see another law in tmy members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. [2]
B.
The brain will adapt itself to the environment and culture it finds
itself in.
Postmodernism is a
term describing a wide-ranging change in thinking beginning in the early 20th
century. Although a difficult term to pin down, "postmodern"
generally refers to the criticism of absolute truths or identities and "grand
narratives." From Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia
Ways
postmodernism has been described
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding
it.
- "A worldview that emphasizes
the existence of different worldviews" [1]
- "It accepts that reality is
fragmented and that personal identity is an unstable quantity transmitted
by a variety of cultural factors. Postmodernism advocates an irreverent,
playful treatment of one's own identity, and a liberal society." [2]
- "Postmodernism is simply a
juvenile tantrum about how uncooperative reality is with socialist thought"[3]
- "A generation raised on
channel-surfing has lost the capacity for linear thinking and analytical
reasoning." [4]
- "Enlightenment is
totalitarian" [5]
- "A constitutional inability
to adopt a reasonable way to tell the good stuff from the bad stuff"
-Chip Morningstar
- "Postmodernism is incredulity
towards metanarratives"
- "Postmodernism: the Grande
Narrative that denies Grande Narrative" Cedric Watts, University
of Sussex (Via Lee Goddard)
- "There is no single way to
define postmodernism, and that is the single most postmodern thing about
it." -Mark Williams, chair of film and television studies at Dartmouth College. [6]
- "Postmodernism can be defined
as a procedural rebellion against totalizing systems of thought with an
eventual affirmation of no centers of value."-Luca Petryshyn,
Concordia university
- Steve Greer’s Description:
Postmodernism is a form of humanism, which is an exhultation of the human
effort that requires no intervention or help from any god. Through man,
all things are possible.
AND THEN:
Martha Stewart's
Advice for Rednecks
General
1. Never take a beer to a job interview.
2. Always identify people in your yard before shooting at them.
3. It's considered tacky to take a cooler to church.
4. If you have to vacuum the bed, it is time to change the sheets.
5. Even if you're certain that you are included in the will, it is still
considered tacky to drive a U-Haul to the funeral home.
DINING OUT
1. When decanting wine, make sure that you
tilt the paper cup, and pour slowly so as not to "bruise" the fruit
of the vine.
2. If drinking directly from the bottle, always hold it with your fingers
covering the label.
ENTERTAINING IN YOUR HOME
1. A centerpiece for the table should never
be anything prepared by a taxidermist.
2. Do not allow the dog to eat at the
table...no matter how good his manners are.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
1. While ears need to be cleaned regularly, this is a job that should be
done in private using one's OWN truck keys.
2. Proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if
you live alone, deodorant is a waste of good money.
3. Dirt and grease under the fingernails is a social no-no, as they tend to
detract from a woman's jewelry and alter the taste of finger foods.
DATING (Outside the Family)
1. Always offer to bait your date's hook, especially on the first date.
2. Be aggressive. Let her know you're interested: "I've been wanting to go
out with you since I read that stuff on the bathroom wall two years ago."
3. Establish with her parents what time she is expected back. Some will say
10:00 PM; Others might say "Monday."
THEATER ETIQUETTE
1. Crying babies should be taken to the lobby and picked up immediately
after the movie has ended.
2. Refrain from talking to characters on the screen. Tests have proven they
can't hear you
WEDDINGS
1. Livestock, usually, is a poor choice for a wedding gift.
2. Kissing the bride for more than 5 seconds may get you shot.
3. For the groom, at least, rent a tux. leisure suit with a cummerbund and a
clean bowling shirt can create a tacky appearance.
4. Though uncomfortable, say "yes" to socks and shoes for this
special occasion.
DRIVING ETIQUETTE
1. Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles; Even if the gun is loaded, and
the deer is in sight.
2. When approaching a four way stop, the vehicle with the largest tires
always has the right of way.
3. Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape.
4. When sending your wife down the road with a gas can, it is impolite to ask
her to bring back beer.
5. Do not burn rubber while traveling in a funeral procession.
These are so funny, because we realize
that there’s so much here that all too true.
So maybe our local culture is less
postmodernism than it is redneck.
From the book “Christian Education” 1893, 1894,
Chapter 25. Fragments.
{CE 199.4}
Christian Courtesy.--The heart in which the love of Christ abides, will
constantly manifest more and more refinement, for the spring of the life is
love to God and man. This is Christianity. This is "Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." [LUKE 2:14.] This is
the carrying out of God's purpose. Divine harmony, worthy of the wisdom and
mercy which God has manifested to men! True Christian growth tends upward to
the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. True culture, real
refinement of thought and manners, is better obtained through the lessons in
the school of Christ, than through the most labored, pains-taking effort to
observe forms and set rules, when the heart is not under the holy discipline of
the Spirit of God. {CE 200.1}
II.
Fit the Second: Here’s your brain on Junk
A.
Habits
make life easy for us.
B.
The fact that so much of what we are is defined by our habits.
1.
What
people think of us is determined so much by the habits they see in us.
i
He’s
not real clean. He’s not very well educated. He comes for the “lower class.”
(What ever that means)
ii
He
talks too much. He’s a boor. He think he knows everything.
iii
He’s
very quite. Maybe he’s not very smart. Maybe he’s very smart.
iv
She’s
always chasing boys. She’s shallow.
C.
There are good and bad habits.
1.
Some
habits are unacceptable in the Kingdom of God.
2.
Some
habits are required to enter the Kingdom of God.
1 John 1:5-8 (NKJV)
5 lThis is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that mGod is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 nIf we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we owalk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and pthe blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [3]
1 John 2:9-11 (NKJV)
9 mHe
who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10
nHe
who loves his brother abides in the light, and othere is no cause for
stumbling in him. 11 But he who phates his brother is
in darkness and qwalks in darkness, and does not know where he is
going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. [4]
D.
The Habitual Model: The lure of the little thing
that leads to the slick slope.
1.
We
talked about the way habits are developed: A little bit at a time. No
particular event being of any great importance, but the repetition creating lasting
habits.
2.
We
used the analogy of “The Little Drop of Water” eventually making a deep valley.
3.
And,
before we’re hardly aware, we have ingrained habits that may take a lifetime of
effort and much weariness to remove.
III.
Fit the third: How’s your brain today
A.
All
of us are in one of two conditions with respect to any particular habit
(addiction).
1.
We
have or we are developing an addiction.
2.
We do not have a particular habit or addition.
B.
Most of us have or have had habits and addictions and have struggled to
obtain “Victory” but have fallen into old habits “sins” time and time again.
1.
What
does Christ Say about this?
Hebrews 6:4-6 (NKJV)
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted gthe heavenly gift, and hhave become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 3if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, isince they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. [5]
i
Our
continuing in sinful addictive habits is a shame to Christ before the witnesses
of heaven and the universe. Christ who has declared us to be His children, his
special people have put him to shame.
ii
We
have broken the Third Commandment in that we have taken the Name of God in
vain.
C.
Never
the less: Paul says.
Ephesians 2:1-10 (NKJV)
2 And ayou
He made alive, bwho were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 cin
which you once walked according to the 1course of this world,
according to dthe prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now
works in ethe sons of disobedience, 3 famong
whom also we all once conducted ourselves in gthe lusts of our
flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and hwere
by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, iwho is rich in mercy, because of His jgreat love with which He loved us, 5 keven when we were dead in trespasses, lmade us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together min the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in mHis kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 oFor by grace you have been saved pthrough faith, and that not of yourselves; qit is the gift of God, 9 not of rworks, lest anyone should sboast. 10 For we are tHis workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. [6]
1.
Paul says there is recovery from Sin. But this recovery is at the price
of the Blood of Christ at Calvary.
D.
Before you enter into habits you can’t control you need to consider:
1 Corinthians 10:1-15 (NKJV)
10 Moreover,
brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under athe
cloud, all passed through bthe sea, 2 all were
baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same cspiritual
food, 4 and all drank the same dspiritual drink. For
they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies ewere
scattered in the wilderness.
6 Now these things
became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as fthey
also lusted. 7 gAnd do not become idolaters as were
some of them. As it is written, h“The people sat down to eat and
drink, and rose up to play.” 8 iNor let us commit
sexual immorality, as jsome of them did, and kin
one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us 1tempt
Christ, as lsome of them also tempted, and mwere destroyed
by serpents; 10 nor complain, as nsome of them also
complained, and owere destroyed by pthe destroyer. 11
Now 2all
these things happened to them as examples, and qthey were written for
our 3admonition,
rupon
whom the ends of the ages have come.
12 Therefore slet
him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation
has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but tGod is
faithful, uwho will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you
are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you
may be able to 4bear it.
Flee from Idolatry
14 Therefore, my
beloved, vflee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wwise
men; judge for yourselves what I say.
E.
It is God’s intent that we don’t sin in the first place.
F.
It’s much better if we never develop addictions to any abusive substance
or activity.
1.
Cussing, inappropriate jesting, unclean thoughts.
2.
Anger, Hate, Arguments
3.
Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes,
4.
Gambling, pornography,
5.
Movies, television
6.
Over eating
7.
Etc.
IV.
God has blessings for those who have developed good habits, have
addicted themselves to the Love of God.
2 Peter 3:11 (KJV)
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, [7]
Malachi 3:16-18 (KJV)
16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewelsf; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. [8]
V.
Fit the forth: New Commitments
A.
Prayer
and Study
1.
Will
you read the bible through this year?
i
Some
have indicated that they are willing to do this.
ii
Have
you started?
B.
Authentic
Expression of Love to God,
1.
To
your wife or husband
2.
To
your parents
3.
To
your kids
4.
To
your friends
C.
Church
Commitment
1.
Your
time
2.
Your
Tithe
3.
Your
Offering
D.
Helping
others find an authentic relationship with Christ.
1. Do you know someone who’s absence from heaven will cause you great distress. Will you do something to move them along the path to a valid and authentic relationship with Christ?